Objectives: By the analysis of plasma mRNA levels, we tested the hypothesis that, in human atheroma, CTSS activation coexists with activation of CD40.
Design and methods: mRNAs were isolated from plasma of patients with coronary atherosclerosis and quantified by real-time RT-PCR.
Results: CTSS mRNA levels correlated with CD40 mRNA levels, independently of observed traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis and pharmacological treatment.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that CTSS mediated atherogenesis may be associated with a CD40 mediated inflammatory and immune response. Further invasive atheroma analysis is reasonable.
Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.